Hobbies And Interests
Large Group Ice Breakers
In very large groups, say at conferences or conventions, it's nearly impossible, and certainly improbable to be able to meet everyone. It is, however, possible and profitable to know some general information about the group. A speaker can direct an ice breaker activity for the entire group. Put a list of questions on a screen. The questions can be general information type questions such as: Do you have a pet? Are you married? How many kids do you have? Have the large group separate into smaller groups of eight to 10 people. This game works well when the group sits at small tables. Have each table discuss the questions and have a one person at the table present a collective answer to the entire group. For instance, someone can stand-up and tell the group that at his table are three dog owners and two cat owners, seven married people and together, the table has four daughters and five sons. This type of ice breaker will help people at individual tables begin to know one another and will give everyone general knowledge about the group at large.
Small Group Ice Breakers
Smaller group events such as a casual dinner party can be a good way to put friends and acquaintances from different areas of life together. Help them break the ice at the party through fun small group ice breaker games. Before the party begins, write interesting questions on pieces of paper and put them into a large bowl. An example of a good ice breaker question is: "What is something that you should have thrown away, but probably never will?" or "If you were a cartoon character, who would you be and why?" Everyone at the party takes turning pulling out a question and answering it to the group.
Mingling Ice Breakers
Small group parties are a great place for mingling ice breakers. "Name Tag Match Maker" is an ice breaker that starts group members mingling and talking to one another about things they have in common. Every guest writes out a name tag on a 5-inch-by-7-inch card and adds the additional information to the tag. For instance, ask each guest to write two favorite foods in the upper left corner and write four things that you like to do on the weekend on the lower left. Add a list of favorite singers or favorite vacation spot on the right corners. When everyone is done, ask guests to mingle and meet people with like interests. Another mingling game is to divide the group into partners who must get to know the other person and introduce his partner to the group.
Other Ice Breaker Ideas
Start guest talking and having fun through fun, interactive ice breaker games. Provide each guest with a lei upon arrival. The object of the game is to collect as may leis as possible by the end of the night. To win a lei from another guest, you simply have to coax the person into saying the word "no." Players can ask one another questions in an attempt to receive a "no" answer. If the other player forgets and says, "no" she must surrender her lei. Task-driven group activities are another good way for people to break the ice. Supply building blocks and divide the group into small groups and ask group members to take turns building a tower with each person adding a block. The group to build the tallest tower (that remains standing) when they have used all the blocks is the winner. This game will help guests become acquainted as they cheer on their teammates.